A major fire erupted on Friday evening in southeast Denver, engulfing a three-story apartment complex that was still under construction. Over 100 firefighters responded to the scene, battling the flames for more than two hours before getting it under control.
Robert Murphy, a division chief from the Denver Fire Department, described the fire as “major” and noted that it had been a while since the city faced such a large-scale incident. Shortly before 10 p.m., the fire was upgraded to a five-alarm status, which is the highest level of emergency response.
The site, located at the corner of Leetsdale Dr. and S. Forest St., is close to Glendale, prompting officials to close Leetsdale in both directions. One firefighter was injured and taken to Denver Health.
Residents in nearby apartments were told to evacuate due to the intense heat from the blaze. The Colorado Division of Homeland Security reported the fire caused significant power outages in the area. In response, they set up a temporary shelter at the Glendale Event Center for those displaced or affected by the lack of power.
Historical context is important here. Large fires like this one are relatively rare in Denver, a city that has seen a rise in construction activity. Looking back, the last big incident may remind many of the 1992 downtown fire, where rapid response teams also faced similar challenges.
Social media has been buzzing with reactions from locals, expressing both relief that the situation was managed quickly and concern for those affected.
As we reflect on this event, it underscores the need for continued investment in fire safety measures, especially in high-density construction areas. For more information about fire safety protocols and assistance, you can visit the Colorado Division of Homeland Security.
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